If You Can Read, Why Not Share The Skill?

September 13, 1986|By William F. Gorog , Special to The Sentinel

Are you enjoying this newspaper? Have you scanned the headlines, digested the latest sports scores, checked out the movie or television listings, clipped a recipe or coupon, been cheered by the comics or your favorite columnist?

If so, you are employing, and doubtless taking for granted, an essential human skill -- a skill that is not possessed by an estimated 27 million American adults -- a fifth of your fellow citizens.

Members of this vast group, including thousands in this very community, are labeled ''functional illiterates'' because they are not able to read or write. Functional illiterates can't read this newspaper -- or any other. They can't comprehend a map or a road sign, fill out a job application, understand the label on a medicine bottle, order from a menu, enjoy a letter -- or read a bedtime story to their children.

In short, their inability to read and write directly impedes their ability to function effectively -- in society, and in their private lives as well.

The good news is that a massive and dedicated cooperative effort is under way to fight illiteracy through adult education classes, voluntary literacy organizations and corporate training programs teaching basic skills to employees and others.

Such organizations as the Coalition for Literacy, Laubach Literacy, the Literacy Volunteers of America, the Association for Community-Based Education and the Business Council for Effective Literacy have spearheaded campaigns to increase awareness of the magnitude of the illiteracy problem. Thanks to their work, thousands have enlisted as volunteers to teach others basic reading and writing skills.

The bad news is that this combined effort is succeeding in reaching only 5 percent of the functionally illiterate among America's adult population. At the same time, the ranks of this massive group is growing by about 2,225,000 each year. Obviously, much more needs to be done to turn the tide.

It's with this goal in mind that the Magazine Publishers Association will carry out what is undoubtedly the most massive public awareness campaign ever undertaken by the magazine industry.

More than 100 magazine publishers have agreed to publish full-page advertisements in their September issues. By the month's end, we expect 200 million copies of this ad will have been seen and read in the households and business enterprises of America.

The ads, produced in conjunction with the Ad Council and the Coalition for Literacy, solicit volunteers and tax-deductible donations to combat illiteracy. Both are sorely needed.

Who will take up the fight? It's up to those of you who understand the importance and recognize the joys of the printed word. You are the potential soldiers in the battle against illiteracy. Call 1-800-228-8813 to volunteer.